"Only until troops arrive. We have telegraphed to the governor, and a company should be here within the next twenty-four hours."
"It isn't probable the sentinels will take our word for it that you have sent us."
"Here is a line to Donovan, and you had better start at once, for there's no saying how soon the rioters may get tired of destroying dwellings. Tell Donovan that we hope to send him a larger force soon."
The boys felt very much like soldiers as they marched toward the slope, each armed with a gun and half a dozen cartridges, and the tumult which could be heard distinctly, heightened the illusion.
"They have set fire to some building," Sam said, as he pointed to a column of smoke which rose from the direction of the superintendent's home. "If that kind of work has begun there's little chance of its being ended while Billings' crowd hold the town."
"I ought to have staid with mother. There's no reason why I should help fight the company's quarrels while she may be in danger."
"You could be of no assistance, and it is better to be out of the way, for Skip and his gang will not remain quiet while it is possible to do mischief."
"At the same time I should be with her," Fred replied; but making no motion to return.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the slope they were stopped by a sentinel who cried as he leveled his gun:
"Halt! What do you want?"